Aromas of blackberry and smoke with hints of toasted oak. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and lots of fruit. This is a rich and seamless wine with lots of everything going on in the bottle. Best after 2011. 15000 cases made. –JS

Prieure-Lichine has turned things around over recent vintages and is now producing its finest wines since the late 1960s and early 1970s when the late Alexis Lichine was in control. The respected winemaking consultant Stephane Derenoncourt is partly responsible for the return to high quality at this estate. Already drinking well the dark ruby/plum/purple-tinged 2003 reveals an evolved fragrant perfume of melted licorice spice box cedar black cherries and currants. With marvelous fruit medium to full body low acidity and abundant glycerin this seductive lush claret is hard to resist. Enjoy it over the next 12-14 years.